Penang expects airport to record 8.3 million tourist arrivals

Penang expects airport to record 8.3 million tourist arrivals

Penang is anticipating more than 8.3 million tourists to arrive by flights this year with the support of the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign.

The number would be an increase of 10% from what was achieved last year, said state Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin.

“Till November last year, Penang recorded 4.16 million international and 3.39 million domestic passengers at Penang International Airport (PIA).

“We expect 10% more tourists this year, ” he told reporters at PIA yesterday.

Yeoh said Penang launched its own Experience Penang 2020 campaign to boost local tourism by introducing more tourism products and spots beyond George Town.

“We will focus on eco-tourism in Seberang Prai, medical tourism, as well as business events, of which over 3,000 were held last year, ” he said.

He said Indonesia, Singapore and China remained the highest contributors of traffic into Penang.

Earlier, passengers arriving at PIA were greeted with cultural performances and received goodie bags courtesy of Tourism Malaysia.

AirAsia government relations manager (northern region) Kenneth Tan, who was present at the terminal, said tourism players had been working hard with the police since last year to beef up security in the state.

“We have been working with Penang Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department to increase safety of tourists in hotspots, ” he said.

“Their efforts with the various awareness campaigns conducted have made Penang among the safest islands to visit in the region.”

Also present were Penang Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry director Jonathan Freddy Bagang, Malaysia Airports Bhd operation senior executive Azmi Darus and Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan.

~The Star~